The Spanish manager guided City to their maiden Champions League title last season and also bagged the Premier League and the FA Cup. However, Guardiola is well versed in the challenges of replicating such success in the 2023/24 season and emphasized the difficulty of achieving such an extraordinary feat in consecutive seasons.

WHAT PEP GUARDIOLA SAID

When former player Gael Clichy questioned Guardiola about his approach for the current season and if he had asked his players to aim for the treble, the City manager said: “No, no, I think that is a mistake. The Treble? Forget about it. If we win the Treble again I retire, that’s it.”

“That’s on TV, Pep,” replied Eniola Aluko.

Guardiola added: “It’s extremely difficult. How many incredible teams have there been in England? Just once with Sir Alex [Ferguson] and ourselves last season [have won the Treble]. When we spoke [to the players], it [the message] was prepare well, time for first game.

“We will see, our level. The competition itself dictates how your level us. The challenge is higher. September, October, November, thinking about the titles? Forget about it, it’s a big mistake.”

THE BIGGER PICTURE

City are going through a lean patch of form, in comparison to their lofty standards, as they have drawn their last three matches in the Premier League. The recent slump has seen them slip to the third spot in the standings, six behind leaders Arsenal. However, they boast of having a perfect record in Europe having won all five of their matches.

WHAT NEXT FOR MANCHESTER CITY?

Guardiola remains confident that City will win a fourth consecutive Premier League title in May, despite their defensive lapses in recent games. They are in action against Aston Villa on Wednesday evening at Villa Park and will aim to return to winning ways.